Partners in Education: Culinary Arts Program

By Kasey Hott

CREATED Oct. 11, 2012

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  • Training to become a top-notch chef takes a lot of patience and plenty of hard work. But some students at Green Bay's Preble High School are getting a head start, thanks to a new culinary program offering plenty of hands-on experience. Video by nbc26.com

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GREEN BAY - Training to become a top-notch chef takes a lot of patience and plenty of hard work. But some students at Green Bay's Preble High School are getting a head start, thanks to a new culinary program offering plenty of hands-on experience.

"Culinary arts is a program that was designed to give kids a background in the food service industry, and to give them a step up as far as unemployment and advanced standing in colleges," said Culinary Instructor Laurie Spence.

About 150 students from all throughout the school district enroll in the program each semester -- and it's about more than just cooking. Students learn how to take on the bookwork and menu planning necessary to make a restaurant run smoothly.

Jordan Schuyler and Jesse Brown are both part of the program being offered at Preble.

"Seven hours a day at a desk... I'd rather be on my feet, cutting things and learning new things," said Brown.

"Last year, I got to cook for the Packers. That was awesome," Schuyler said.

Both students say they hope to pursue a culinary career after high school.

"Maybe the Cordon Bleu. I would like to go there, and I'd like to use my skills that I learned from Miss Spence to go to Cordon Bleu," said Schuyler.

"I hope to maybe work at a restaurant as a food line cook, or maybe even a chef one day," Brown said.

The Culinary Arts Program is offered to high school students all throughout the Green Bay School District. If your student is interested in enrolling, just have them meet with their high school guidance counselor.